This Locomotive was built in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a 1942 0-4-0 switch engine built by Porter Locomotive Company. The Locomotive was located at Bethlehem Fairfield (Maryland) Shipyard; The United States Navy Shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia; PC Company #9 Old Dominion Iron and Steel Company, Richmond, Virginia and Echo Valley Park, and Swamp Rabbit Railroad, Greenville, South Carolina.

In 1980, it was sold to Denton FarmPark. It was restored by the Denton FarmPark staff and was made part of the Handy Dandy Railroad which rides tourists on the 1.5 mile track around the park every year during the Southeast Old Threshers’ Reunion at Denton FarmPark.

This locomotive has a rich history with Southern Railway and now sits on display at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, NC. Kids AND adults enjoy climbing in and pretending to be an engineer!

History:Southern Railway #542: The locomotive was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1903. This 2-8-0 Consolidation operated in North Carolina on the Southern Railway around Statesville and Winston-Salem. Repairs were performed at Spencer Shops. Similar class 2-8-0 locomotives were extensively used by the Southern for local freight trains throughout the entire system. In North Carolina they were found from Raleigh to Asheville. Southern owned only 90 of this rare J class locomotive, and the 542 is the sole remaining example. In 1954 the Southern donated the locomotive to Tanglewood Park, near Clemmons, NC. A trade was made in 1991 using the ex-Illinois Central 0-8-0 1894 to obtain the 542 for the museum. It was cosmetically restored for use in the Leatherheads movie as #604 during 2008. The locomotive has now been restored to it’s original numbering, restored with its original coal tender and is regularly on display.

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride

Over 70,000 passengers rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2014 and we hope to see you in 2015! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot. THE POLAR EXPRESS begins November 13 and operates through January 3, 2016.

We encourage guests to plan ahead and stay apprised of the latest weather developments. We have yet to cancel a POLAR EXPRESS departure because of inclement weather. If you’re staying in the Gatlinburg/Sevierville, Tennessee area, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service announces road closures and openings on Twitter, or call (865) 436-1200 extension 631 for a recorded message.

In such case Highway 441 is closed through the national park, Interstate 40 typically remains open. Use 45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, North Carolina 28713 as your destination to find an alternate route.

Have you already ridden THE POLAR EXPRESS here at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad this season? Check out the official PHOTO CONTEST, you could win a Family 4-pack of First Class POLAR EXPRESS tickets!

Classes of Service

First Class

First Class features interior carpet and plush furniture along with new exterior paint and detailing to highlight the cars authenticity. Large windows and climate control for comfort. Table tops of 4 and 2 are available. You may be seated at a table of 4 if your party is 2. All guests will receive a specialty treat bag with sweet treats, a freshly baked cookie, and warm cocoa served in a POLAR EXPRESS souvenir mug!

Crown Class

Crown Class features climate control for comfort, large picture windows for optimal viewing, and easily accessible restrooms. Seats are arranged in sets of four with two facing each other. This is wonderful for families or parties who wish to stay grouped together throughout the duration of their ride. All guests receive a freshly baked cookie and warm cocoa served in a souvenir POLAR EXPRESS tumbler.

Coach Class

Coach Class features windows that are able to open for fresh-air, ceiling fans and heat for cooler evenings. Seats are arranged in sets of four with two facing each other. A freshly baked cookie and warm cocoa is served to guests by the car’s friendly POLAR EXP